Mitsotakis heads to Brussels for critical EU summit on budget, defense, and global issues

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has arrived in Brussels for a crucial European Union summit where leaders will tackle a packed agenda. The discussions are set to focus on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, global macroeconomic stability, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the strengthening of European defense and security.

A central point of negotiation will be the new MFF, with the Cypriot Presidency presenting a revised negotiating framework. Greece, as articulated by Mitsotakis, advocates for an ambitious EU budget that matches the bloc's strategic and investment priorities. The country stresses that the budget's revenue sources, including potential new own resources, must support these elevated goals. Greece also prioritizes safeguarding funds for Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, ensuring that enhanced European competitiveness does not widen disparities among member states.

Building on the positive experience of the Recovery Fund, Mitsotakis has consistently supported common European financing, including joint borrowing, for investments in shared European public goods like energy and defense. Regarding EU competitiveness and global economic balances, Greece argues that boosting the European economy's strength is paramount, especially in addressing the trade deficit with China. Sources within the Greek government point to internal European weaknesses, such as high energy costs, barriers to the single market, and financial fragmentation, as key issues.

Consequently, Greece strongly backs necessary investments and reforms in the European energy market, deepening the single market, and advancing the Capital Markets Union. On security and defense, Mitsotakis is expected to reiterate Greece's call for collective European defense to address threats across the entire continent, advocating for a comprehensive 360-degree approach. In discussions concerning the Middle East, Greece reaffirms its early support for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions, welcoming recent developments and emphasizing the importance of reopening strategic waterways.